Reading in Berkshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

In Memory Of Henry West

Photographed By Stephen Palmer, February 12, 2023

1. In Memory Of Henry West Marker

Inscription.
Who lost his life in a whirlwind at the Great Western Railway Station Reading on the 24th March 1840 Aged 24 Years

Sudden the change, in a moment fell and had not time to bid my friends farewell, Yet hushed be all complaint, 'tis sweet, 'tis blest, to change Earth's stormy scenes for endless rest, Dear Friends prepare, take warning by my fall, so shall you hear with joy your Saviours call.

A rail was erected at the time by his fellow workmen as a token of affectionate respect to his memory

Renewed by his brother George 1862. Renewed by his niece F.G.Rixon, 1924. Renewed by the Reading Corporation, 1971.

Erected 1840.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is March 24, 1840.

Location. 51° 27.397′ N, 0° 58.131′ W. Marker is in Reading, England, in Berkshire. Marker can be reached from The Forbury. Marker is in St Laurence's Church graveyard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: The Forbury, Reading, England RG1 3EJ, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Hospitium (a few steps from this marker); Men of Reading and Berkshire (within shouting distance of this marker); Abbey Quarter (within shouting distance of this marker);

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WWII Bombing of Reading (within shouting distance of this marker); Simeon Monument (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Abbey Quarter (about 120 meters away); a different marker also named Abbey Quarter (about 150 meters away); a different marker also named Abbey Quarter (about 210 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Reading.

Also see . . . The Reading Whirlwind and the fate of Henry West, by Leslie Wilson (The History Girls).

Excerpt:

"They were building the new Reading Railway Station, which was to carry businessmen to London, to transact their business in a day and get home in time for dinner, connect Reading to the West Country, so that its citizens could go on holiday, and so on, when what the Reading Mercury called 'an unfortunate accident' took place. A shed about 200 feet long had been put up at the back of the Station-House, for 'the reception of the trains and the convenience of passengers.'"

(Submitted on March 26, 2023, by Stephen Palmer of Ascot, England.)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2023, by Stephen Palmer of Ascot, England. This page has been viewed 60 times since then and 8 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on March 26, 2023, by Stephen Palmer of Ascot, England. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.